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Guy's Guide To Birth Control

Your Comprehensive Guide To Understanding Birth Control In All Its Forms

PrintGenevieve Scarano

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Birth control. Of course you’ve heard of the term, but do you really know anything about it? You might have a slight clue about how birth control can help prevent pregnancies, but you’re probably left in the dark when it comes to the actual ins and outs of contraceptives.

If you’re having sex, chances are you’re already engaging in some birth control practices. (If not, you need to get on that!) You and your partner might be using regular condoms, female condoms, spermicide, or a diaphragm. So if you’re aware of these contraceptive methods already, congrats, you’re doing the responsibility thing well.

But what if she’s using a different birth control method? It could be birth control pills or an IUD (intrauterine device), and you might not really get how they work. But, as long she says you’re protected and having amazing sex, you’re probably good to go, right?

Sadly, this isn’t always the case. Yes, you want to enjoy your time in the sheets, but you also have to think about the benefits of having protected sex, and what it can mean for both of you. Hint: It’s much more than just avoiding unexpected parenthood.

While all birth control methods focus on preventing pregnancy, which is a major plus, some varieties also come with additional sexual health benefits. For example, condoms and female condoms can help protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while hormonal IUDs can help ease your partner’s period symptoms. But each birth control method has its own drawbacks, too. If your partner is using birth control, she might struggle with headaches, nausea, and heavy bleeding. And while you want be supportive, you might not know how to make her feel better.

To get up to speed on the pros and cons of each, it’s worth taking a few moments to school yourself ont birth control. You don’t have to be a female contraceptive expert, but knowing about the types available, how they work, the precautions you might need to take, and their potential side effects can help improve your relationship with your partner. Don’t worry: we’ve got your easy birth control cheat sheet right here.

Let’s Talk About Birth Control, Baby

New to female contraceptives? It’s important to first understand the different types of birth control methods. Major female contraceptive groups are barrier methods, hormonal methods, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), and emergency contraception, according to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). This might seem like a lot of information to process, so let’s break it down.

Barrier Methods: Condoms, Diaphragms, Female Condoms, Spermicide

If you’re thinking that the barrier must equal “stop pregnancy,” you’re on the right track. These are among the most popular birth control methods on the market.

The Products: You might already have some of these over-the-counter birth control items in your nightstand or wallet, including condoms and spermicide. Or your partner may prefer using a diaphragm or female condom when you guys have sex.

How They Work: According to the NICHD, barrier methods are designed to prevent sperm from entering the female body. Condoms and female condoms can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when used during sex. Barrier methods can also be birth control options if your partner doesn’t want to use hormonal methods (we’ll get to those soon).

Precautions: It’s always a good idea to double up on barrier methods during sex, so you’re extra protected in the event of a malfunction (using a condom and diaphragm at the same time, for example). If your condom breaks, at least you can still help prevent pregnancy with a diaphragm. “The efficacy of condoms relies on user technique,” says Jennifer Wu, MD, a board-certified OBGYN at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “Pregnancy can result if the condom is not used from the beginning of intercourse, if there is a rupture in the condom, or if the condom is not used at all,” she says.

Potential Side Effects: Make sure you or your partner are not allergic to certain materials, like latex, because that could cause an unwanted trip to the ER. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, Wu recommends opting for another type of barrier method, like a lambskin condom, to prevent reactions.

Hormones, which are responsible for her period, sex drive, and random food cravings, actually play a large role in preventing pregnancy, and involve a birth control group called hormonal methods.

The Products: Ovulation is the process of the ovary releasing an egg, so it can be fertilized by sperm. If you’re not ready to have a baby, your partner can use a hormonal method to prevent ovulation. Hormonal methods include birth control implants, birth control pills, birth control injections, and vaginal rings.

How They Work: Hormonal methods can help block ovulation by thinning the uterine lining or thickening the cervical mucus. Because these contraceptives can change your partner’s menstrual cycles, they are only available with a prescription; others have to be inserted by a certified health care provider. Some hormonal methods, including birth control pills and vaginal rings, can help lighten cramps and periods.

Precautions: Some hormonal methods need to be taken daily or changed frequently, meaning your partner must keep up on maintenance. Wu advises using a barrier method as a backup, such as condoms, during your partner’s first month on a birth control pill, vaginal ring, or birth control injections. Important to note: Hormonal methods do not protect you from STDs, so if that’s a concern, use a condom or female condom during sex.

LARC Methods: Copper and Hormonal IUDs

LARC Methods aren’t as complicated as you think. This birth control group has a wicked long name (long-acting reversible contraception), but it involves a small device called the IUD.

The Products: Copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs

Effectiveness When Used Properly: 99 percent

How They Work: According to the NICHD, IUDs are tiny T-shaped devices placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. These devices are available in two different types, copper and hormonal. Copper IUDs help block sperm from fertilizing the egg. Hormonal IUDs release levonorgestrel, a progesterone hormone that thickens the cervical mucus, thins the uterine lining, and can help prevent ovulation. Plus, hormonal IUDs can help ease menstrual symptoms, including cramping and heavy bleeding.

Precautions: A major plus of both types of IUDs is that they are good for a few years, unlike other birth control methods that need to be taken daily or changed frequently. Your partner should have her IUD inserted by a certified health care provider, such as an OBGYN, to make sure it’s placed properly and won’t fall out during sex. IUDs won’t protect you or your partner from STDs, however, so use a backup condom or female condom during intercourse as needed.

Potential Side Effects: Some women with IUDs experience irregular bleeding, lack of periods, painful cramping, and perforation of the uterus, says Wu.

Emergency Contraception: Plan B-One Step and Ella

So… about last night. The sex was great but you’re freaking out because of a major problem, such as your condom broke or your partner forgot to take her birth control pill. Keep calm and get to your nearest pharmacy or drugstore for emergency contraceptives, stat.

The Products: NICHD defines emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) as hormonal pills that can be taken after unprotected sex. This group includes Plan B One-Step and Ella ECPs. Plan B One-Step is available at pharmacies and drugstores without a prescription, while Ella is only available with a prescription.

Effectiveness When Used Properly: 79 percent to 89 percent

How They Work: These pills can help delay ovulation by thickening the cervical mucus and making sperm inactive.

Precautions: It’s important to take Plan B-One Step or other ECPs right away, because waiting might decrease effectiveness. Wu said Plan B-One Step is most effective when taken in the first 12 hours after unprotected sex, but it has some efficiency up to five days after. It could also depend on where your partner is in her menstrual cycle. ECPs can help reduce the risk of pregnancy in a similar way. Because they are taken after the fact, they obviously don’t provide STD protection.

It’s Not Just About Birth Control Method – It’s About Communication

Talking about birth control, baby-making, or menstruation might be uncomfortable, but preventing pregnancy is a two-way street. You might use a condom and she might have an IUD, but birth control is a joint effort. Make sure you’re always communicating about potential health concerns and contraceptive choices.

“Depending on the birth control she uses, your partner may experience side effects, such as spotting or irregular periods, mood changes, heavier periods, cramping, sore breasts, and headaches,” says Dr. Gillian Dean, senior director of medical services at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. If that’s the case, let your partner know that she can talk with you about what she’s experiencing -- and if she needs to change birth control methods, talk about options together, she adds.

Even though birth control might feel like new territory for you, remember that you’re not just partners in the bedroom -- you’re in this together, too.. By working together to prevent pregnancies, you can both have safe, enjoyable, and super hot sex.